Sword-Dancer

At first I was wary of a book where a strong female (who can do "man's work") and a chauvanistic man were the main characters. But soon after starting Sword-Dancer, all thoughts of cliche and eye rolling were left behind.Sandtiger (Tiger) and Delilah (Del) are two of the most richly painted and realistic fantasy characters in any novel out there. Not only that, the world around them, right down to the words used in the native language, is vibrantly detailed and so real as almost to be touched!You want to join Del and Tiger on every quest they embark on, and you want to know more about the enigmatic Del, woman sword-dancer from the North...as well as Tiger, the slave who won his freedom in the South.The best part is watching the two amazingly rich characters reach a compromise of sorts...Del's icy exterior begins to melt, and Tiger's stubborn machismo breaks down as he realizes Del's skill. The bond beginning to forge between Del and Tiger in the first novel in the series is one that strengthens, beats the test of time, romance, danger, competition, and aquivi (read it, you'll understand!).This is an amazing beginning to a truly breathtaking series...it is DEFINITELY worth reading from the first page of Sword-Dancer to the last page of Sword-Sworn. And maybe you, like me, will even get a little misty-eyed when you have to part ways with a world as amazing as this.

Tiger is the best sword-dancer in the whole south...but being the best can get old. So a new adventure is exactly what the Tiger needs...especially a new adventure that comes in the shape of a gorgeous blonde named Del. Del is a sword-dancer from the North who has come south in search of her brother who was taken by slavers five years before. Tiger agrees to be Del's guide over the desert and to help her with her search. (Since she is gorgeous and making a few extra coins would not hurt.)And thus begins an epic adventure that will bring Tiger and Del face to face with their greatest fears...and if they had known they would encounter cannibals, slavers, desert storms, and sandtigers (to name a few) on their journey as well, those would have certainly been on the greatest fears list. This book has it all: adventure, danger, sword-play, mystery, fantasy, and perhaps even the beginning of a romance. Everything is told from Tiger's point of view...which is laugh out loud funny. I totally recommend this book.

One can read this series from the viewpoint of social commentary on gender relations, heroic fantasy, or both. It speaks well for the author's talent that it succeeds in either category. Whatever you do, begin with this book, the first in the series, and read them in order.The Tiger/Del relationship is notable for its complexity as well as the variety of interactions. To a certain extent, both are required to show some adaptiveness over time; one watches them learn and grow. As products of very different societies, we see their pre-existing cultural expectations giving way--obstinately--to the realities of life. It is impossible to miss the feminist statement that Del represents, but there is much more going on than just that.If you could care less about sexual politics and just want to read about interesting characters in a richly detailed environment with a very high excitement level, you also came to the right series. While there is some obvious linguistic and cultural borrowing from medieval earth, it never detracts from the tale. It also has a delightful level of mature humour to keep matters lighthearted.A must read.

I've read the book *twice*. I can't help but break into grins and laughter as she presents situations. I love it. She (The author) is incredibly astute in her ability to present the male perspective. I can't tell you how many times I've made wife stop and listen to a paragraph or two. Jennifer - you the woman. :) I can't wait to read Sword Breaker and Sword Born.

I started this series in the middle, and after I finished the second book had to get the other three! It took me six months to find the first book, and I have to say it was worth the wait! It has lots of what I love to read: the characters grow and change, they aren't static and dull throughout the whole series. It's a love story, with each person having faults (realistically, you wouldn't expect two people to NEVER fight would you?) and bringing their own unique skills to the relationship. There's adventure, without too much dependence on magic. The hero isn't a wizard, nor is he perfect... which is what makes him realistic! Now I just HAVE to get the newest book... have been waiting for eight LONG years for another one, and was just about to conclude that it wouldn't happen! if you like your books to be Black and White, Good vs. Evil, where the weather is always perfect, the hero has no faults, and everything is wrapped up with a nice "And they all lived happily ever after." DON'T read this book! If you want your fantasy with realism, read it and enjoy!